What you can do if your old cat is getting thinner
The first gray hairs adorn the fur of your cat, the once agile jumps are not working as they used to, and one or two teeth are already missing from your cat. When cats become seniors, there are some signs of aging that, like in us humans, are completely normal and simply part of life. However, if your kitty is losing weight, you may be worried and want to know why this is happening and how you can help her. We provide you with helpful tips so that your four-legged senior can still enjoy her seven lives even in old age.
When is a cat considered old?
What is actually the starting signal for aging in cats? Must the fur be gray, or is it enough when a certain age limit is exceeded? Just like in humans, the aging process can vary significantly. A poor diet, →severe obesity, and other factors can shorten the lifespan of cats, which is why cats can show signs of advanced age even at a young age.
In general, a cat can be considered aging from 9 years old. Not every furry friend is immediately restricted in movement at this age - some cats can still do triple somersaults at 13 and are as active as ever. However, from the age of 9-10 years, it is important to adapt the cat food to the aging process, as fewer calories and minerals in different compositions are needed. With our Pets Deli food, even well-aged furballs can still indulge, as our →dry food with salmon for cats provides your indoor tiger with low-fat salmon, healthy omega fatty acids, and the best taste!
Kennst du schon unser gesundes Sortiment für Katzen?
Thin or too thin? How much should cats weigh?
We can give you some reassurance: It is completely normal for cats to lose weight as they age. Muscle mass and connective tissue decrease, making your cat appear lighter and visually slimmer. If you want to find out if your cat might be too thin, you can refer to the guidelines for certain cat breeds. There are particularly delicate breeds that have an ideal weight of 3-5 kg. Larger breeds like the →Maine Coon can weigh 5-10 kg. If you have a cat that does not belong to a specific breed, you can look at a similar breed in terms of body structure and size to see what weight is appropriate.
Additionally, you can check with your trusted veterinarian if your cat is too thin or within the normal range. You should go directly to the clinic if your cat's weight suddenly decreases significantly and she refuses to eat, →does not drink enough, or has →severe diarrhea for several days.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Die Maine-Coon bringt als große Katzenrasse ein ordentliches Gewicht auf die Waage. Das Idealgewicht einer Katze hängt von der Größe und dem Körperbau ab.
Reasons why old cats become thinner
The reasons why your old cat is getting thinner are varied. They can be related to nutrition, but physical problems can also quickly affect your senior cat's weight. Common causes include:
- Parasites like →roundworms or →tapeworms: If your cat is infected with worms, she can lose weight in a short time. The reason: The worms extract nutrients from the food, resulting in your cat not being able to adequately nourish her body. There are tests for parasites at the veterinary practice that can provide clarity.
- Too little food: Check the →feeding amount recommendations found on the back of the can or food bag. Are you weighing the amounts or deciding freely? To ensure your furry friend gets all the nutrients, you should definitely adhere to these recommendations. The →healthy diet of your cat should always be a top priority, even in old age.
Thin cats can also occasionally handle a few extra treats. Treat your four-legged friend to a healthy snack - with our Pets Deli snacks, you are on the healthy side, as we do without grains, sugar, and artificial colors and flavors.
- Stress: Unsettling situations are not only stressful for us humans; our four-legged friends can also struggle with them. Due to moves, new pets, or a new partner, cats often become restless because they are creatures of habit. The result is that they may eat less and lose weight.
- Dental problems: Regular →dental care is also important for cats. Plaque and tartar can lead to →gum inflammation or tooth loss. Due to pain, hard food pieces may no longer be chewed well, and the food remains in the bowl. A veterinary check can examine the mouth for inflammation and tartar.
- Kidney diseases: Some cats experience →kidney problems in their lives. Symptoms of such diseases can include loss of appetite and weight loss, which is why veterinary advice should always be sought. In addition to medication, a tailored diet can support your cat during treatment. Our →wet food VET Liver & Kidney Fit for cats features a reduced protein and phosphorus content, which is very important for the affected organs. At the same time, it covers your pet's increased vitamin needs due to illness.
- Loss of sense of smell: What is life if the favorite food can no longer be enjoyed through smell and taste? Some furry friends lose their sense of smell or can no longer smell as well as they used to. Here, too, food refusal plays a role, leading to weight loss.
[TRANSLATION ERROR] Die Gründe für den Gewichtsverlust bei Katzen im Alter sind vielfältig. Oft spielt das Futter eine Rolle, manchmal sind aber auch die Zähne nicht mehr so intakt wie früher.
How to help your cat when she is old and getting thinner
Even though you cannot (unfortunately) stop your cat's aging process, there are several ways you can help your increasingly thinner cat. First and foremost, you should have the situation medically assessed.
There may be serious illnesses behind it, and more intensive treatment may be necessary. If your practice gives the green light, you can use the following measures to effectively help your cat:
- Calorie-rich food: Even though older cats generally need fewer calories because they move less, in this case, a calorie-rich food can be used. Suitable meat types include beef and some poultry. Our irresistible →mousse with beef provides your cat with plenty of calories. Our →dry food Extra Meat with poultry is not only for true meat connoisseurs but also ideal for cats that can handle calorie-rich food. In our →Pure Meat range, you will surely find the right food for your indoor tiger.
- Mixed feeding with dry food: Dry food is more energy-dense than wet food. If your senior cat has no issues with her teeth and crunchy food pieces, you can try mixed feeding.
- Oil or booster as a food enhancer: By enhancing the food with, for example, →salmon oil, you not only achieve the highest culinary delights but also easily increase the calorie content of the food. Salmon also shines with valuable omega fatty acids, which have been shown to support coat health and metabolism. With our →acceptance booster, you can also help your cat with food intake by using it as a topping for the food.
- Calorie-rich medications: You can also obtain special products from veterinarians that can help your cat gain weight. It just needs to be clarified how long the pastes should be given and how sustainable their feeding effect is.
Is your four-legged friend generally refusing food, and are you having trouble stimulating her appetite? Check out our →article on food acceptance in cats.
